Kids are spending more of their day on screens and less of it doing the simple, hands-on play that helps them grow. Unplug & Play is changing that — one classroom at a time. The Balance Project's Unplug & Play program puts screen-free "break boxes" into Central Virginia classrooms: bins full of tactile, imaginative, low-tech activities that give students a real break from devices during the school day. Now we're stocking those boxes, and we need your help. Join us for the Unplug & Play Donation Drive, running August 1 through August 23. Every contribution goes directly into a break box that gives kids a reason to look up, connect, and play. THREE WAYS TO GIVE: -> Drop off new or used items at our donation box at Cross Creek Nursery, 501 Courthouse Rd. -> Shop our Amazon Wish List for direct ship — pick an item and have it sent straight to us: https://a.co/0hkM4tnm -> Make a tax-deductible donation at https://www.thebalanceproject.life/donate — please choose "Community Focused" and note Central Virginia in the notes so your gift supports our local classrooms. Unplug & Play is built on our 5 C's — creativity, connection, curiosity, calm, and confidence — the things kids build when they step away from a screen and into real play. Your donation makes that possible. To sponsor, ask about corporate matching, or coordinate a larger drop-off, email centralvabalanceproject@gmail.com. Drop a toy. Give a kid a break. Help us unplug and play. 📍 Donation box location: Cross Creek Nursery, 501 Courthouse Rd, Richmond, VA 23236 📅 Drive runs: August 1 – August 23, 2026

Bring your own water! If you have a kickball, bring that too! Be sure NOT to bring your devices (check off one of the More Summer, Less Bummer bingo spaces)!

Join The Balance Project at our very first Summer Social for rising 6th through 8th graders! Bring a friend or come make a few new ones - we’d love to see you there!

Join The Balance Project Arlington for some good, old-fashioned field day fun! We'll bring supplies for kickball relays, a tug-of-war and more. Please feel free to bring your own balls, frisbees, hula hoops, and other items! All families welcome. There is no fee to join the fun, but RSVPing helps us plan. In the event of inclement weather, a cancelation notice will be emailed out. See you there!

Join Wall Township parents, teachers and caregivers to discuss plans for our Chapter as we approach the new school year.

We will be discussing: - outcomes from our initial meeting with SPS admin - give some background information on EdTech in schools (including smartphones and AI) based on notes from "The Digital Delusion" by Dr. Jared Hovarth - give parents talking points for bringing up these important topics with their child's new teacher(s) this Fall RSVP for a chance to win some BP merch at the meeting!

TICKET REQUIRED (see link): A few of us are attending the conversation on 8/19. Email tbpsuffield@gmail.com if you'd like to arrange a group carpool with us! Parenting the Algorithm: How do you raise a child when the most powerful force shaping their worldview is a feed you can't see? 6:30–7:00 PM — Arrival, introductions, and dinner 7:00–8:30 PM — The facilitated conversation 8:30–9:00 PM — Open table — conversation and connection Contribution: $20 — thank you. It helps us cover dinner.

Change happens when families show up and speak up. On August 27 at 9:00 AM, the Virginia Board of Education meets in Richmond — and this is our chance to put healthy screen-time boundaries on the record at the state level. Here's why this moment matters: The Virginia Senate is asking the Board of Education to develop a model technology-use policy for schools across the Commonwealth to adopt. That policy hasn't been drafted yet — which means right now, before the pen hits the paper, is when our voices carry the most weight. This is our chance to help shape what goes into it. Every voice counts. Public comment is one of the most powerful tools we have. When board members hear directly from parents, teachers, and community members about what our kids need, it moves the conversation from advocacy to action. We want a strong, respectful turnout of voices supporting balanced technology in Virginia's schools. Join us — and consider signing up to speak. You don't need to be a policy expert. A few honest sentences about your child, your classroom, or what you've seen screens do to focus and connection is exactly what board members need to hear. Speakers are given up to three minutes, and comments may address any matter related to public education in Virginia, including the actions of the Board. How to sign up to speak: - Complete the Board of Education Public Comment Sign-Up Form (https://forms.office.com/g/vwL5cfsudr), including the subject you'll discuss and your name. - Submit your request no later than 5:00 PM the day before the meeting (by 5:00 PM on August 26). Same-day requests may be honored at the discretion of the Board President. Plan for a focused, three-minute message. Can't attend in person? You can still be heard. Submit written comments any time through the Board of Education Comment Form (https://forms.office.com/g/ksfTdq2NKq). Written comments are collected and shared with Board members as part of the materials for the next scheduled business meeting. New to public comment? A few tips: Keep it to one clear point and a specific ask. Lead with your connection to Virginia — a parent, teacher, or resident. Speak to what kids gain from balance, not just what screens take away. Bring a written copy; nerves are normal and having notes helps. Can't speak? Come anyway. A full room is its own message. Doors open at 8:30 AM — bring a neighbor and help us show the Board that this community is paying attention. Questions? Contact Board staff at boe@doe.virginia.gov. Let's make sure our kids' voices are heard where it counts. 📅 August 27, 2026 · 9:00 AM EDT (doors open 8:30 AM) 📍 Lipman Auditorium, Massey Library Technology Center · Reynolds Community College 1651 E Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23228 ✋ Want to speak? Sign up by 5:00 PM on August 26 — https://forms.office.com/g/vwL5cfsudr

As parents, it can be challenging to navigate the many decisions surrounding youth sports. Join us for an informative panel discussion featuring experts in youth athletics, including a sports psychologist, former dual Division I athlete, physical therapist, veteran youth soccer coach with 20+ years of experience, and The Balance Project founder, Holly Moscatiello. Together, they'll share evidence-based insights and practical guidance to help parents make informed decisions that support their children's long-term well-being and athletic development. Our goal is for every parent to leave feeling more informed, empowered, and confident in navigating the youth sports journey.